When I was on the Cape earlier this month, I had the opportunity to do some kayaking/fishing with Penguin and Rooster. They both had the most beautiful and effective anchors I'd ever seen for use in the sand; the Lewmar Stainless Steel Horizon Claw in 2.2 lb. size.

It's pricey, but this gracefully curved and perfectly polished piece is pretty enough to display on your mantel during the off season!

When we achored the 'yaks to a bar and got out to cast, there were no worries about them pulling loose and drifting away while we were concentrating on the fishing.

I was smitten with this anchor and will never be able to look my cheap, folding grapnel anchor straight in the eye again....

How is the release activated? Do you run a second line to the bend eye?

I just saw one guy's trick for using the rear pull for release. You attach your anchor rode at the eye at the bend (rear attachement point) and then lay it along the shaft of the anchor, securing it to the end eye with a zip tie.

If the anchor gets hung up, a strong pull from above will break the zip tie and then you'll (hopefully) be able to free it, now pulling from the rear eye.

I cheaped out and bought the "high tensile steel" $7.99 version. It's uglier than a plugged toilet. (Compared to the polished stainless steel version, anyway.)